Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up the ice against the Coyotes during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up the ice against the Coyotes during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Ilya Lyubushkin (46) turns against the defense of Maple Leafs' Tyler Ennis (63) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Ilya Lyubushkin (46) turns against the defense of Maple Leafs' Tyler Ennis (63) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' William Nylander (29) looks for teammates against a charging Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' William Nylander (29) looks for teammates against a charging Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up against Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up against Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up against Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up against Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Connor Brown (28) shoots against Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Connor Brown (28) shoots against Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) waits for a puck to drop during the first period against the Maple Leafs at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) waits for a puck to drop during the first period against the Maple Leafs at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Jordan Weal (10) skates toward goalie Darcy Kuemper (35) during the first period against the Maple Leafs at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Jordan Weal (10) skates toward goalie Darcy Kuemper (35) during the first period against the Maple Leafs at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) passes against the Coyotes' Lawson Crouse (67) and Niklas Hjalmarsson (4) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) passes against the Coyotes' Lawson Crouse (67) and Niklas Hjalmarsson (4) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up against Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up against Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) waits for a face off during the first period against the Coyotes at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) waits for a face off during the first period against the Coyotes at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) waits for a face off during the first period against the Coyotes at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) waits for a face off during the first period against the Coyotes at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up the ice against the Coyotes during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up the ice against the Coyotes during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' John Tavares shoots against Coyotes' goalie Darcy Kuemper (35) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' John Tavares shoots against Coyotes' goalie Darcy Kuemper (35) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) shoots against Coyotes' goalie Darcy Kuemper (35) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) shoots against Coyotes' goalie Darcy Kuemper (35) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Ilya Lyubushkin (46) skates up the ice against Maple Leafs' Connor Brown (28) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Ilya Lyubushkin (46) skates up the ice against Maple Leafs' Connor Brown (28) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Ilya Lyubushkin (46) skates up the ice against Maple Leafs' Connor Brown (28) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Ilya Lyubushkin (46) skates up the ice against Maple Leafs' Connor Brown (28) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up the ice against the Coyotes during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up the ice against the Coyotes during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up the ice against the Coyotes during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up the ice against the Coyotes during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) and Maple Leafs' Patrick Marleau (12) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) and Maple Leafs' Patrick Marleau (12) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Alex Galchenyuk (17) celebrates a goal with teammate Nick Cousins (25) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Alex Galchenyuk (17) celebrates a goal with teammate Nick Cousins (25) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Clayton Keller (9) skates against Maple Leafs' Mitchell Marner (16) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Clayton Keller (9) skates against Maple Leafs' Mitchell Marner (16) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Travis Dermott (23) knocks Coyotes' Nick Cousins to the ice as he attempts to make a pass during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Travis Dermott (23) knocks Coyotes' Nick Cousins to the ice as he attempts to make a pass during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Brad Richardson (15) shoots against Maple Leafs' Morgan Rielly (44) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Brad Richardson (15) shoots against Maple Leafs' Morgan Rielly (44) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Mitchell Marner (16) dives and knocks a puck loose from Coyotes' Derek Stepan (21) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Mitchell Marner (16) dives and knocks a puck loose from Coyotes' Derek Stepan (21) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Brad Richardson (15) and Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skate for a loose puck during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Brad Richardson (15) and Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skate for a loose puck during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Mitchell Marner (16) dives and knocks a puck loose from Coyotes' Derek Stepan (21) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Mitchell Marner (16) dives and knocks a puck loose from Coyotes' Derek Stepan (21) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Clayton Keller (9) skates against Maple Leafs' Zach Hyman (11) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Clayton Keller (9) skates against Maple Leafs' Zach Hyman (11) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Brad Richardson (15) and Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skate for a loose puck during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Brad Richardson (15) and Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skate for a loose puck during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Josh Archibald (45) celebrates his goal with teammates Derek Stepan (21) and Lawson Crouse (67) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Josh Archibald (45) celebrates his goal with teammates Derek Stepan (21) and Lawson Crouse (67) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Brad Richardson (15) skates against Maple Leafs' Nikita Zaitsev (22) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Brad Richardson (15) skates against Maple Leafs' Nikita Zaitsev (22) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Josh Archibald (45) celebrates his goal with teammates Derek Stepan (21) and Lawson Crouse (67) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Josh Archibald (45) celebrates his goal with teammates Derek Stepan (21) and Lawson Crouse (67) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Alex Galchenyuk (17) scores against Maple Leafs' goalie Frederik Anderson (31) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Alex Galchenyuk (17) scores against Maple Leafs' goalie Frederik Anderson (31) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Josh Archibald (45) celebrates his goal with teammates Derek Stepan (21) and Lawson Crouse (67) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Josh Archibald (45) celebrates his goal with teammates Derek Stepan (21) and Lawson Crouse (67) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) gets hit on the helmet by St. Louis Blues left wing Alexander Steen (20) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. The Blues won 4-0. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Ross D. Franklin, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) gets hit on the helmet by St. Louis Blues left wing Alexander Steen (20) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. The Blues won 4-0. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Ross D. Franklin, AP

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) gets hit on the helmet by St. Louis Blues left wing Alexander Steen (20) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. The Blues won 4-0. Ross D. Franklin, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) gets hit on the helmet by St. Louis Blues left wing Alexander Steen (20) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. The Blues won 4-0.
Ross D. Franklin, AP

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson (4) sends St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) to the ice during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Ross D. Franklin, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson (4) sends St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) to the ice during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin, AP

St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) makes a save on a shot by Arizona Coyotes center Clayton Keller (9) as Blues defenseman Robert Bortuzzo (41) and center Ryan O'Reilly (90) try to block the shot during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Ross D. Franklin, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) makes a save on a shot by Arizona Coyotes center Clayton Keller (9) as Blues defenseman Robert Bortuzzo (41) and center Ryan O'Reilly (90) try to block the shot during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin, AP

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) makes a save on a shot by St. Louis Blues left wing Pat Maroon (7) as Coyotes defenseman Kevin Connauton (44) applies pressure during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Ross D. Franklin, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) makes a save on a shot by St. Louis Blues left wing Pat Maroon (7) as Coyotes defenseman Kevin Connauton (44) applies pressure during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin, AP

St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) makes a save on a shot by Arizona Coyotes right wing Conor Garland (83) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Ross D. Franklin, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) makes a save on a shot by Arizona Coyotes right wing Conor Garland (83) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin, AP

St. Louis Blues defenseman Joel Edmundson (6) sends the puck past Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) for a goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Ross D. Franklin, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

St. Louis Blues defenseman Joel Edmundson (6) sends the puck past Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) for a goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin, AP

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) makes a save against the Arizona Coyotes during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas. John Locher/AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) makes a save against the Arizona Coyotes during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas.
John Locher/AP

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Kevin Connauton (44) vies for the puck with Vegas Golden Knights left wing Max Pacioretty (67) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) John Locher, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Kevin Connauton (44) vies for the puck with Vegas Golden Knights left wing Max Pacioretty (67) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
John Locher, AP

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) grabs a puck out of the air beside Vegas Golden Knights left wing Max Pacioretty (67) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) John Locher, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) grabs a puck out of the air beside Vegas Golden Knights left wing Max Pacioretty (67) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
John Locher, AP

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson (4) watches the puck after Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) made a save during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) John Locher, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson (4) watches the puck after Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) made a save during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
John Locher, AP

Arizona Coyotes center Alex Galchenyuk (17) slides into the net after scoring against Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) John Locher, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes center Alex Galchenyuk (17) slides into the net after scoring against Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
John Locher, AP

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) is scored on by the Arizona Coyotes during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) John Locher, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) is scored on by the Arizona Coyotes during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
John Locher, AP

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Kyle Capobianco reacts after getting checked during the third period of the team's NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Capobianco left the game.Columbus won 4-2. Rick Scuteri, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Kyle Capobianco reacts after getting checked during the third period of the team's NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Capobianco left the game.Columbus won 4-2.
Rick Scuteri, AP

Columbus Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner (38) scores a goal in front of Arizona Coyotes center Derek Stepan during the third period during an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Columbus won 4-2. Rick Scuteri, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Columbus Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner (38) scores a goal in front of Arizona Coyotes center Derek Stepan during the third period during an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Columbus won 4-2.
Rick Scuteri, AP

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jordan Oesterle (82) celebrates after scoring a goal in the second period during an NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Rick Scuteri, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jordan Oesterle (82) celebrates after scoring a goal in the second period during an NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Rick Scuteri, AP

Arizona Coyotes right wing Conor Garland (83) celebrates after scoring a goal in the second period during an NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Rick Scuteri, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes right wing Conor Garland (83) celebrates after scoring a goal in the second period during an NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Rick Scuteri, AP

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jordan Oesterle (82) scores a goal in the second period during an NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Rick Scuteri, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jordan Oesterle (82) scores a goal in the second period during an NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Rick Scuteri, AP

Dallas Stars center Radek Faksa (12) skates for the puck against Arizona Coyotes right wing Richard Panik (14) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Dallas, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. LM Otero/AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Dallas Stars center Radek Faksa (12) skates for the puck against Arizona Coyotes right wing Richard Panik (14) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Dallas, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019.
LM Otero/AP

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) celebrates his goal with teammates Nick Cousins (25) and Jordan Oesterle (82) during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars in Dallas, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. (AP Photo/LM Otero) LM Otero/AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) celebrates his goal with teammates Nick Cousins (25) and Jordan Oesterle (82) during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars in Dallas, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
LM Otero/AP

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper defends the goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars in Dallas, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. (AP Photo/LM Otero) LM Otero/AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper defends the goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars in Dallas, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
LM Otero/AP

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Alex Goligoski (33) and Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) vied for control of the puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Dallas, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. (AP Photo/LM Otero) LM Otero/AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Alex Goligoski (33) and Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) vied for control of the puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Dallas, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
LM Otero/AP

San Jose Sharks goaltender Martin Jones (31) blocks a shot from Arizona Coyotes center Alex Galchenyuk (17) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

San Jose Sharks goaltender Martin Jones (31) blocks a shot from Arizona Coyotes center Alex Galchenyuk (17) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019.
Tony Avelar, AP

San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski (8) scores a goal past Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski (8) scores a goal past Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019.
Tony Avelar, AP

Arizona Coyotes right wing Richard Panik (14) moves the puck past San Jose Sharks right wing Kevin Labanc (62) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes right wing Richard Panik (14) moves the puck past San Jose Sharks right wing Kevin Labanc (62) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019.
Tony Avelar, AP

Arizona Coyotes right wing Conor Garland (83) celebrates after scoring a goal against the San Jose Sharks during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes right wing Conor Garland (83) celebrates after scoring a goal against the San Jose Sharks during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019.
Tony Avelar, AP

San Jose Sharks right wing Timo Meier (28) chases after the puck against Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

San Jose Sharks right wing Timo Meier (28) chases after the puck against Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019.
Tony Avelar, AP

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) blocks a shot from San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski (8) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) blocks a shot from San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski (8) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019.
Tony Avelar, AP

San Jose Sharks right wing Timo Meier (28) moves the puck between Arizona Coyotes center Nick Cousins (25) and Alex Galchenyuk (17) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

San Jose Sharks right wing Timo Meier (28) moves the puck between Arizona Coyotes center Nick Cousins (25) and Alex Galchenyuk (17) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019.
Tony Avelar, AP

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Kevin Connauton (44) battles for the puck against San Jose Sharks right wing Joonas Donskoi (27) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Kevin Connauton (44) battles for the puck against San Jose Sharks right wing Joonas Donskoi (27) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019.
Tony Avelar, AP

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jordan Oesterle (82) is checked into the boards by San Jose Sharks right wing Barclay Goodrow (23) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jordan Oesterle (82) is checked into the boards by San Jose Sharks right wing Barclay Goodrow (23) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019.
Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes center Alex Galchenyuk (17) checks Montreal Canadiens defenseman Shea Weber (6) into the boards during the first period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019, in Montreal. Ryan Remiorz/AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes center Alex Galchenyuk (17) checks Montreal Canadiens defenseman Shea Weber (6) into the boards during the first period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019, in Montreal.
Ryan Remiorz/AP

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jordan Oesterle (82) is checked by Montreal Canadiens left wing Nicolas Deslauriers (20) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019, in Montreal. Ryan Remiorz/AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jordan Oesterle (82) is checked by Montreal Canadiens left wing Nicolas Deslauriers (20) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019, in Montreal.
Ryan Remiorz/AP

It’s not exactly an earth-shattering statement to say that the more a team scores, the better chance they have at winning. Sometimes it really does feel that simple.

Nonetheless, it’s fascinating to look at the extreme difference between teams who score above or below what has evidently been the magic number for winning games in the NHL this season, and how it correlates to the 2018-19 Coyotes.

That magic number is 3. This season, teams that have scored at least three goals in a game registered an aggregate 621-140-89 record. Not surprisingly, the NHL average for goals per game was just a notch above the magic number at 3.06 entering play Thursday.

Arizona Coyotes' Conor Garland (83) looks towards the puck against the San Jose Sharks in the 1st period on Jan. 16 at Gila River Arena.
(Photo11: Rob Schumacher/The Republic)

But what does this all mean? For starters, it means that scoring three goals in a game gives you a very good chance at winning the game. However, as we can see from some of the underlying evidence in how teams defend differently, simply scoring three times per night doesn’t always equate to success.

Let’s start with the Coyotes, whose record in games in which they score at least three goals is 18-3-1, the latest such victory coming in a 6-3 defeat of the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday. Three goals may not seem like much, but it certainly has been an important threshold for this year’s Coyotes.

The Coyotes’ aforementioned 18-3-1 record means they have just a 3-19-2 record when scoring two goals or less. For a team that is built on defense and goaltending and was never considered to be a world-class scoring threat even when healthy, the difference of a third goal cannot be overstated when it comes to the Coyotes’ success.

“We’re a team built strong on the back end,” Coyotes President of Hockey Operations and General Manager John Chayka said. “When you have that combined with guys up front getting opportunities to score, that’s our recipe for success. … You have to be able to score in this league, but you also have to be able to defend. I think we’re focused on the differential, and that’s what the game is about by scoring more than the other team.”

If you ask Coyotes forward Derek Stepan, it comes down to a number of things. Stepan mentioned the league’s recent rule changes including face-offs becoming increasingly beneficial to offensive players, but to him it ultimately comes down to what the Coyotes’ system of play can do when it features solid defense.

“It’s a tricky thing,” Stepan said. “There’s a balance to it where the reason you’re scoring more goals is because you’re defending better. The league has gone that way. It is a goal-scoring league. You look at scores these days, there’s at least one or two teams putting up five or six goals. I feel like maybe my first two or three years in the league, it was all 3-2 games or 2-1 games. Now you see more 6-3 or 7-4 games and that’s the way the league is now.

“The league is set up for more goal-scoring, but I’m a firm believer that if we’re scoring three or more goals it means we’re defending better, and that leads to our offense.”

For head coach Rick Tocchet, whose perspective is a bit different from where he stands on the bench, he notices a visible change in his team’s energy when they score one or more goals early in a game.

“I think it’s a confidence thing,” Tocchet said. “I think, when we score a couple goals early, guys loosen up. I can feel guys feeling a little lighter on the bench, for sure. … I think what (Stepan) is talking about where defending will get you more quality chances than if you cheat the game. If you cheat, the other team has the better chance at scoring.”

When asked how he would evaluate the stark contrast in records for both his team and the league in magic-number games, Chayka perhaps put it the most simply.

“I don’t think it’s a coincidence,” Chayka said. “When you score more goals, you have a better chance at winning hockey games. I put it as simple as that.”

But what about teams that don’t have great records when scoring three or more goals per game? Although almost every team in the league sees their record skyrocket when hitting the magic number, clubs like the Chicago Blackhawks (13-12-5) and the Ottawa Senators (15-11-4) don’t actually perform that much better when scoring at least three goals in a game.”

Perhaps not so coincidentally, both the Senators (180) and Blackhawks (178) entered play Thursday as the two teams with the most total goals allowed in the NHL this season. This could explain why a team below the playoff line such as the Coyotes benefits from the three-goal threshold because of their defensive competence.

Still, the Coyotes know the NHL is becoming a league that revolves around scoring more and more. Entering play Thursday, the Coyotes ranked 28th in the NHL with 2.61 goals per game. Chayka knows that in order to contend his team will likely need to make it to the magic number more often.

“We don’t have a 35- or 40-goal-scorer in our lineup right now,” Chayka said. “We’re built a certain way and everyone is looking to add scoring and we’d certainly be a team looking to add scoring, but you’ve got to be careful not to change your identity. You also want to be cautious of bringing in a guy who can score 30 but gives up 40.

“You just try to supplement your group so that the people you bring in are enhancing your identity as opposed to putting us on a different course, which we’re not interested in.”

Richard Morin covers the Coyotes and Diamondbacks for azcentral sports. He can be reached at rmorin@arizonarepublic.com and by phone at 480-316-2493. Follow him on Twitter @ramorin_azc.

Friday’s game

Penguins at Coyotes

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Gila River Arena.

TV/Radio: FSAZ/KMVP-FM (98.7).

Outlook: The Arizona Coyotes (21-22-3) wrap up a brief, two-game homestand against the Pittsburgh Penguins (25-15-6) on Friday at Gila River Arena. … The Penguins have lost two straight but have won nine of their last 12 games overall. … This is the second and final meeting between the teams this season, with the Coyotes suffering a 4-0 defeat on Nov. 10 in Pittsburgh. … The Penguins are led in scoring by captain Sidney Crosby with 55 points (20 goals, 35 assists) and assistant captain Evgeni Malkin with 50 points (14 goals, 36 assists). … Coyotes head coach Rick Tocchet won a pair of Stanley Cups with the Penguins as an assistant coach in 2016 and 2017.

Projected Coyotes lineup

Keller—Weal—Fischer

Panik—Stepan—Hinostroza

Galchenyuk—Cousins—Garland

Crouse—Kempe—Archibald

Ekman-Larsson—Hjalmarsson

Chychrun—Lyubushkin

Goligoski—Oesterle

Kuemper

Pickard

Potential scratches: Laurent Dauphin and Kevin Connauton.

Injury update: Darcy Kuemper took a maintenance day on Thursday but is still probable to man the crease during Friday's game. ... Brad Richardson (upper body) is week-to-week with what is believed to be a hand injury. ... Antti Raanta (knee), Michael Grabner (eye), Jason Demers (knee) and Christian Dvorak (torn pectoral) are all out indefinitely and there is no timetable for their returns. ... Nick Schmaltz (knee) is out for the season.